By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin has advocated the strengthening of governance mechanisms at sub-national level to enhance sustainable development.
The Chairman stated this in an address he delivered at a National discourse on good governance at the sub-National level organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja.
Ogundoyin said for Nigeria to enjoy good governance at the local government level, transparency, accountability, Inclusivity, responsiveness among others must be bolstered.
“Good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society. It encompasses transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness. At the sub-national level, where the government is closest to the people, these principles are even more vital.
“The theme of the discussion which centers around good governance especially at the sub-national level is a critical factor for sustainable development Nationally. Every Nigerian should as a matter of civic responsibility be interested in the effective functioning of governance both at the national and subnational levels to bring about all round meaningful growth.
“We must ensure that accountability mechanisms are strengthened at the State and Local Government levels. As lawmakers, our oversight functions to the local councils must be protected and done thoroughly to ensure responsible conduct of public affairs and proper management of public resources.
“Having identified good governance as pivotal for development, all the three tiers of Government in Nigeria – Federal, State and Local Governments must strive to institutionalize and internalise the concept for socioeconomic growth and stable polity.”
The Chairman highlighted inadequate resources, mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, lack of accountability and transparency, love revenue generation and lack of capacity and professionalism as some of the challenges inhibiting effective governance at the local government level.
The Conference of Speakers chairman called for proper demarcation of roles and duties of local government as against that of other tiers of government to avoid overlapping of duties.
“Powers and functions of all tiers of Government must be clearly stated and highlighted to avoid undue encroachment by one on the other. Let us remember that effective and efficient local government is an important recipe for good governance at the grassroots, and we must do everything to improve good governance and enhance service delivery at our local government levels.”
